COMMON PLANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. How big a problem are poisonous plants and pets?

A large portion of our call volume involves pet exposure to plants and information calls about plant toxicity. The most common, most dangerous call we receive concerning cats and plants is ingestion of lilies.

2. Does the type of pet I have make a difference?

Some plants are only toxic to certain animal species. One example would be certain members of the Liliaceae family cause kidney failure in cats. This type of plant only causes mild gastric upset if ingested by a dog, guinea pig or rabbit, and it is considered nontoxic when ingested by people. As of yet, no one understands the reason for this species difference.

There are many poisonous houseplant as well as garden plants. You can't just assume that if you have an indoor plant, it's a nontoxic plant.

3. What types of lilies cause kidney failure in felines and why (and why would a cat ever eat a lily)?

Cats are naturally curious and often chew on plants. All parts of the lily are considered toxic to cats, and consuming even small amounts can be deadly. Within just a few hours of ingestion, the cat may vomit, become lethargic or develop a lack of appetite. These signs are initially vague, but continue and worsen as kidney damage progresses. The actual reason for this is unknown, but is currently under investigation. Without prompt and proper veterinary treatment, the cat may develop kidney failure.

The following lilies have been shown to cause kidney failure in cats:

Common name (Scientific name)
Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum)
Tiger lily (Lilium tigrinum)
Rubrum lily (Lilium speciosum)
Japanese show lily (Lilium lancifolium)
Day lily (Hemerocallis species)

Please note: this list is not all inclusive.

4. What are some other potentially poisonous plants for pets, including plants that can cause cardiac arrest?

Cardiotoxic plants:
Convallaria majalis — Lily of the Valley
Nerium oleander — Oleander
Rhododendron species — Rhododendron, azalea, rosebay
Taxus species — American, Japanese, English, and Western Yew
Digitalis purpurea — Foxglove
Kalanchoe spp. — Kalanchoe
Kalmia species — Mountain laurel, lambkill, calico bush
Leucothoe species — Dog hobble, dog laurel, fetter bush
Lyonia species — Fetter bush, male berry, stagger bush)
Pernettya species
Pieris spp. — Fetterbush, lily-of-the-valley bush

Plants that could cause kidney failure:
Certain species of lilies in cats only
Rhubarb (Rheum species) — leaves only

Plants that could cause liver failure:
Cycads (Cycad species)
Amanita phalloides — mushroom

Plants that can cause multiple effects:
Autumn Crocus (Colchicum species) — can cause bloody vomiting and diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver failure and bone marrow suppression.
Castor Bean (Ricinus species)
• Usually a lag period of 48 hours before signs appear.
• Beans are highly toxic. Two to four beans can be lethal to adult humans.
• Severe gastroenteritis, oral pain and irritation, increased thirst, kidney failure, convulsions and death.

Mushrooms
ALWAYS assume that any ingested mushroom is highly toxic until a mycologist identifies that mushroom. Toxic and nontoxic mushrooms can grow in same area.

We have a complete list of toxic plants.

5. What are some myths people have about poisonous plants?

Poinsettias are generally overrated in toxicity. If ingested, poinsettias can cause mild gastric upset. Vomiting and nausea are the most commonly seen clinical signs. The effects are typically self-limiting and seldom severe enough to require veterinary care.
Also, some people think that animals have a natural instinct not to eat poisonous plants. That is not true! Pets will eat almost anything. Therefore, owners must poison-proof their environment.

6. What should pet owners do if they suspect their animal has ingested a poisonous plant? What symptoms should they look for?

If you suspect your cat ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Bring in part of the plant to a nursery for identification if the exact species is not known. Symptoms of poisonings can include almost any clinical sign. The animal may even appear completely normal for several hours or days.

7. What about pesticides and fertilizers that might be in the garage or tool shed?

Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until the time listed on the label by the manufacturer. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer for clarification before using it. Always store pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides in areas inaccessible to your pets.

The most serious problems resulting from fertilizer ingestion in pets are usually due to the presence of metals. For instance, depending on the amount ingested, iron toxicity could occur. Iron can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and result in multi-organ damage. Also, ingestion of large amounts of fertilizer can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.

The most dangerous forms of pesticides include: snail bait containing metaldehyde, fly bait containing methomyl, systemic insecticides containing disyston or disulfaton, zinc phosphide containing mole or gopher bait and most forms of rat poisons. When using pesticides, place the products in areas that are totally inaccessible to your companion animals. Always store pesticides in secured areas.

8. Can pet owners train or teach their pets not to eat dangerous plants?

There may be ways that a pet owner could train their pets to avoid certain areas of the home or yard where there are poisonous plants. However, the safest method is to prevent exposure to the plant by removing the plants from your pet's home and yard. For more pet poison prevention tips or to tour a virtual poisonous plant garden, visit www.napcc.aspca.org

9. What else should cat owners know about plants and poisons?

You may benefit by keeping a pet safety kit on hand for emergencies. Such a kit should contain:
- A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide 3% (USP).
- Can of soft cat food.
- Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe.
- Saline eye solution to flush out eye contaminants.
- Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing.
- Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid to bathe your pet.
- Rubber gloves to prevent you from being exposed while you bathe the animal.
- Forceps to remove stingers.
- Muzzle to keep the animal from hurting you while it is excited or in pain.
- Pet carrier to help carry the animal to your local veterinarian.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center information:
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, an operating division of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), is the only animal-oriented poison control center in North America and is an allied agency of the University of Illinois. It is a unique, emergency hotline providing 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week telephone assistance. The Center's hotline veterinarians can quickly answer questions about toxic chemicals, dangerous plants, products or substances found in our everyday surroundings that can prove poisonous or fatal to animals. The hotline number is (888) 4-ANI-HELP.